Shattering Glass Ceilings: Pakistani Women Who Got Featured in Time Magazine

Pakistan’s remarkable women have always made us proud with their unwavering strength, relentless dedication, and unstoppable pursuit of greatness in their chosen fields. They never gave up and set incredible examples for everyone around them. So, today we celebrate their amazing accomplishments, recognizing how much they have contributed to our society. Let us applaud their extraordinary journey of success and honor these incredible women who inspire and empower countless others. They are true role models who deserve all the recognition for their outstanding achievements. Let’s take a look at these wonderful women who have made it to Time Magazine in the recent past.

1.      Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai, the incredible Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate, has been honored with a feature in the renowned Time magazine. Time named her one of the world’s most influential people and featured her on the cover in 2013. This recognition highlights her extraordinary journey and the impact she has made on the global stage.

Malala’s story is one of immense courage and resilience. Despite facing grave dangers and threats, she fearlessly advocated for girls’ education in her native Swat Valley, where the Taliban sought to deny girls their right to learn. Her unwavering determination and outspoken voice captured the attention of the world, turning her into a symbol of hope and inspiration.

2.      Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is an Oscar-winning filmmaker, activist, and journalist known for her documentaries highlighting social issues in Pakistan, particularly the challenges faced by women. Time included her in its annual list of the 100 most influential people in 2012.

As a filmmaker, Sharmeen has skillfully used her craft to tell compelling stories that tackle pressing social issues in Pakistan and beyond. Her documentaries have addressed topics such as gender inequality, honor killings, and the struggles of marginalized communities. Through her powerful storytelling, Sharmeen has succeeded in raising awareness and initiating important conversations on these critical issues.

Sharmeen’s work extends beyond the screen. She actively engages with communities, advocates for policy changes, and collaborates with organizations to bring about tangible solutions. Her commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

3.      Sherry Rehman

Sherry Rehman, the Climate Change Minister, has been recognized in Time magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. As a leader of the PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party), she faced a challenging responsibility after the devastating floods of 2022, which occurred shortly after she assumed her position as the minister.

She has received acknowledgment for her dedication to advocating for the victims of floods in Pakistan on global platforms like COP27. By delivering powerful speeches and actively participating in negotiations, she successfully persuaded many delegates to recognize and address the injustice faced by these victims.

4.      Ayisha Siddiqa

Alongside Sherry Rehman, Pakistani climate activist Ayisha Siddiqa made it to TIME’s Women of the Year 2023. After witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change on her community, she found the courage to raise her voice and take action. This led to her being featured on the cover of TIME magazine. In a remarkable speech at the U.N. Climate Conference in Egypt, she passionately emphasized the urgent need for climate justice.

Ayisha expressed that she had been brought up with the belief that the Earth is a living entity and that it provides life to humanity, leading to a sense of responsibility. She remarked that as a society, we have reached a critical juncture where we are neglecting the pleas of the Earth, often referred to as the Earth’s mother.

5.      Asma Jahangir

Asma Jahangir was a human rights lawyer and activist who played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights, democracy, and religious freedom in Pakistan. She received numerous international awards and was listed by Time as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2012. Her inclusion in the magazine serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights.

Throughout her remarkable career, Asma Jahangir fearlessly fought against oppression and defended the rights of the marginalized. She fearlessly challenged oppressive systems, championing causes such as women’s rights, religious freedom, and the rights of minorities.